One of Bristol’s best performing schools has been forced to make 10 staff redundant over the half-term as the funding cuts bite.

A place at Bishop Road Primary School, rated Outstanding in all categories by Ofsted, is one of the most sought-after in the city.

But it has now been forced to make drastic cuts as it looks to keep its head above water.

In a letter to parents, headteacher Gillian Powe, wrote: “We continue our wonderful programme of enrichment and enjoyment of learning which makes Bishop Road so special in spite of the financial difficulties we are experiencing.

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It’s not the first time the hugely popular school has been forced to speak out about the funding crisis – and that’s even before a proposed National Funding Formula (NFF) which could see Bristol’s schools lose some £32million.

Other headteachers, including nearby Redland Green’s headteacher Sarah Baker, have warned about the dwindling budgets in schools.

Bishop Road gets more than 300 applications every year for just 120 spaces.

It has achieved its success despite being the lowest-funded school in Bristol – at just £3,473 per pupil in 2015/16.

The school is one of the most popular in the city

Its chair of governors Mark Worsley said: “The school has achieved its success in spite of a decreasing budget and increasing costs and responsibilities.

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“Funding per pupil has fallen steadily from 2014 as pupil numbers have risen such that the school’s budget has essentially remained flat.

“In real terms the amount of money available to the school has been further reduced as the government has been passing on to schools increased responsibilities in areas such as safeguarding, mental health, special educational needs and radicalisation.

“All of these additional responsibilities have a real cost in terms of staff time and training but come with no additional resource.

“Cuts in local government have also meant there is less central support and the cost of ‘bought in’ services has increased and/or their scope reduced.

“Mrs Powe and her leadership team are working hard to minimise the impact of these cuts on our children.

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“This letter from the governing body is intended to help you understand that the current funding environment will have a real effect on the school but that all that can be done is being done to ensure the continued success of Bishop Road.

“It will be difficult, but it is not impossible, thanks in large part to the leadership team at our school. It is also supported by a hugely dedicated staff of teachers and helpers who believe in helping our children grow.”